NEWS

On November 19, 2012, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced an $8.2 million grant from FEMA for “Project Hope”. “Project Hope” will provide crisis counseling to those in the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy, including New York City. As Governor Cuomo said, “Hurricane Sandy wreaked destruction on our buildings and roads – but the impact was not only physical. The storm turned the lives of thousands of New Yorkers upside down, inflicting damage that was also emotional and mental. Project Hope will provide mental health support for New Yorkers in the hardest hit areas of the state, and I encourage those who may be experiencing trauma or simply need to talk to someone to call for help.” Partnership with Children is one of the organizations that have been chosen, through the Department of Education and Department of Mental Health, to provide vital support to help New Yorkers cope with these traumatic experiences and rebuild their lives.

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, tens of thousands across all five boroughs were without power, shelter and other basic needs, and many continue to be. The effects of the storm have brought the many struggles that Partnership with Children’s students face every day, into the spotlight. Partnership with Children continues and expands the important work we do to care for children who have experienced unbelievable hardship and seemingly insurmountable challenges. We are continuing our work with the highest-need students and schools to embed the social and emotional skills necessary to deal with the everyday stressors that have now increased exponentially due to the storm. Our social workers are providing the critical counseling services, crisis intervention and grief and loss training. Partnership with Children is proud to be entering additional schools, and serve additional students, to contribute to the success of “Project Hope”.